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How to read your glasses prescription

How to enter your glasses prescription

OD is an abbreviation for the Latin term oculus dexter which means right eye. Notice that the right eye information is asked for first even though we typically read from left to right.

OS is an abbreviation of the Latin oculus sinister which means left eye. That will be referenced on the far right column of the prescription.

SPH is short for sphere. The sphere of your prescription indicates the power on the lenses that is needed to see clearly. A plus (+) symbol indicates the eyeglass wearer is farsighted. A minus (-) symbol indicates that the eyeglass wearer is nearsighted.

CYL is short for cylinder. The cylinder indicates the lens power necessary to correct astigmatism. If the column has no value (is blank), it indicates that the eyeglass wearer does not have astigmatism. If this is the case on your prescription, you can leave it blank when entering it in.

AXIS is a prescription will include an axis value for those with astigmatism. This number represents the angle of the lens that shouldn't feature a cylinder power to help correct your astigmatism.

ADD is short for "additional correction." This is where details about bifocals, multifocal lenses or progressive lenses would appear.

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How to read your contacts prescription

How to enter your contacts prescription

OD is an abbreviation for the Latin term oculus dexter which means right eye. Notice that the right eye information is asked for first even though we typically read from left to right.

OS is an abbreviation of the Latin oculus sinister which means left eye. That will be referenced on the far right column of the prescription.

B.C. is short for base curve measurement indicates the back curvature of your contact lens, in millimetres. This is important for comfort, as the BC of your contact lenses should match your eye's natural curve as closely as possible to ensure a better fit when you are wearing your contact lenses.

DIA is short for "diameter," or the distance from one edge of the contact lens to the other. This is measured in millimeters.

SPH is short for sphere. The sphere of your prescription indicates the power on the lenses that is needed to see clearly. A plus (+) symbol indicates the eyeglass wearer is farsighted. A minus (-) symbol indicates that the eyeglass wearer is nearsighted.

CYL is short for cylinder. The cylinder indicates the lens power necessary to correct astigmatism. If the column has no value (is blank), it indicates that the eyeglass wearer does not have astigmatism. If this is the case on your prescription, you can leave it blank when entering it in.

AXIS is a prescription will include an axis value for those with astigmatism. This number represents the angle of the lens that shouldn't feature a cylinder power to help correct your astigmatism.

ADD is short for "additional correction." This is where details about bifocals, multifocal lenses or progressive lenses would appear.

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If you have any questions, our customer care team is here to help at [email protected] or 1-833-487-5487.
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Every purchase made on ContactsExpress.ca by October 31 will automatically receive 100 entries. For more ways to win, be sure to check us out on Instagram @kitseyecare.
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*Discount applied on the current website price at the time of order. Offer only valid for new customer first contacts order over $10. Maximum discount of $100. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Promotions are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to cancel orders that are in breach of the terms and conditions of this offer.

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Measurements
If you already have a pair of glasses, you can compare the measurements to your current frame. Just look inside your temple to find your frame measurements. The overall frame size is a combination of lens and bridge's width measurements.
Lens Width Bridge Width Temple Length
XS < 42 mm < 16 mm <=128 mm
S 42 mm - 48 mm 16 mm - 17 mm 128 mm - 134 mm
M 49 mm - 52 mm 18 mm - 19 mm 135 mm - 141 mm
L >52 mm >19 mm >= 141 mm

Our Returns & Exchanges Policy

We understand that sometimes things change, which is why we offer a free 30-day return policy and free 365-day exchanges.

Free 30-day returns

Available for eligible glasses and contact lens returns in the United States and Canada.

365-day prescription program

Eligible unopened prescription contact lenses may be returned for store credit when your prescription changes.

Responsive customer care

Our customer care team is available to help process your return or exchange.

Flexible returns with responsive support

We at ContactsExpress.ca understand that sometimes things change. We are committed to being responsive in the way that we address returns and exchanges.

30 days

Glasses returns

Eligible glasses may be returned for store credit or refund within 30 days.

30 days

Contact lens returns

Eligible contact lenses may be returned for a refund within 30 days.

365 days

Prescription contact credit

When your prescription changes, eligible unopened boxes may be returned for store credit.

Returns are free for customers in the United States and Canada. For international customers, return shipping costs may apply.

Free 30-day glasses returns

We offer free 30-day returns for glasses for customers in the United States and Canada.

  • Return options: Frames may be returned for store credit or refund.
  • Item condition: The item must be unused, unscratched, and in its original condition and packaging.
  • Include all materials: Frame returns must include all materials originally sent, including cases, cloths, and lenses.
  • Store credit: Store credits do not expire.
  • Return cost: Returns are free for customers in the United States and Canada.
International customers: Return shipping costs may apply. Please contact our customer care team for further assistance.

30-day returns and a 365-day prescription program

We offer free 30-day returns for contact lenses for customers in the United States and Canada.

Within 30 days

Refund eligibility

Contact lenses may be returned for a refund if they are in their original condition, unopened, complete, and sealed without writing or markings on the packaging.

Refund timing

Processed after receipt

The refund will be processed within 30 days from the receipt of your order at our processing center.

Prescription changes: We also offer a 365-day return program for prescription contacts. We will take back unopened boxes of your old prescription and credit the value towards your new prescription.
  • 365-day eligibility: When your contact lens prescription changes, we will accept returns for store credit within 365 days from the day that you receive your order.
  • Using your credit: This store credit can be applied to any future purchases from ContactsExpress.ca and does not expire.
  • Required condition: Returned contact lenses must be in their original packaging and condition, unopened, complete, and sealed, without any writing or markings.
  • Return cost: Returns for contact lenses are free for customers in the United States and Canada.
International customers: Return shipping costs may apply. Please contact our customer care team for further assistance.

Ready to process a return or exchange?

Please call our customer care team. They will be happy to help you process your glasses return or exchange, or work with you through our prescription contacts value credit system.

1-833-487-5487 Call customer care

International returns

For international customers, return shipping costs may apply. Please contact our customer care team for further assistance before processing your return.

Glasses

Return conditions still apply

Frames must be unused, unscratched, in their original condition and packaging, and include all materials originally sent.

Contact lenses

Original sealed packaging required

Boxes must be unopened, complete, sealed, and without writing or markings on the packaging.